HITS Heads To Corpus Christi

The third-ever HITS event will take place this weekend in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Corpus Christi will host its first full distance triathlon this weekend, but the tri excitement isn’t confined to ultra-endurance athletes.

As part of the nationwide HITS triathlon series, 400 triathletes will compete along the bayfront Saturday and Sunday at distances ranging from a beginner-friendly mini tri to the grueling full-distance 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile marathon.

The athletes and their goals vary even more drastically than the race offerings. They range from amputees to retirees, from nervous first-timers to a bubbly reality television star, and from locals to visitors from northern states and as far away as Germany.

Some, like Damon Clifford of Austin, are overcoming personal challenges. The 33-year-old is competing in his first triathlon since an injury from a car accident led to the amputation of his leg between the ankle and knee in June. Clifford is hoping to qualify for the Paratriathlon National Championship on May 28 in Austin.

For Rebecca Meyer, a contestant on Season 8 of “The Biggest Loser,” completing the sprint distance triathlon is just the latest step in a lifelong commitment to health that began when she lost 140 pounds, literally half her body weight. Meyer has resolved to complete an athletic event in every state before she turns 30. With two years and one month remaining in her goal, Texas will be her 15th state.

“I try to show people that you cannot only compete and get out there and prove it to yourself and everyone, but you can have fun at it,” Meyer said.

Read more: Caller.com